Love your enemies

A story is told of Peter Miller, a plain Baptist preacher living in Ephrata, Pennsylvania in the days of the Revolutionary War. Near his church lived a man who maligned the pastor to the last degree. The man became involved in treason and was arrested and sentenced to be hanged. The preacher started out on foot and walked the all seventy miles to Philadelphia to plead for the man’s life. Washington heard his plea, but he said, “No, your plea for your friend cannot be granted.” “My friend!” said the preacher. “He is the worst enemy I have.” “What!” said Washington, “you have walked nearly seventy miles to save the ,life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I will grant the pardon.”

Bible verse: “Love your enemies…” – Matthew 5:44

Loving someone who is your enemy is probably one of the toughest things to do. But, for someone who has tasted the love of God and His grace that forgave his/her sins, is a sign of humility. At times, life is not that easy. People do things that really, really hurt us. Should we forgive them? Yes, we should. Can we forgive them? Now, that is an entirely different thing. There is only one way to do that. When the LORD spoke again to His disciples about forgiving others, they asked Him just one thing: “LORD, increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5) Only with faith – faith that has tasted the love of God, faith that has shown His grace, faith that made us realize who we are.

Lord Jesus, as the disciples asked that day, I come into Your presence, knowing all the well how You have forgiven me, how You bore the wrath for my sins and how much love You have showered on me…. and LORD, I really want to love my enemies. Please increase my faith. Amen.